We’re here to help!

The use of ornamental

grasses has increased

dramatically over the last

few years. Two of the

many admirable traits

ornamental grasses have

to offer include their easy

care and the fact that they

are virtually pest free.

We are always looking for

new varieties of perennial

and annual grasses to offer

our customers.

Whether you need a small

accent grass or a large

focal point, we can help.

Call or stop by to see our

selection. We are open

seven days a week.

Care and varieties of ornamental

grasses for your landscape

Ornamental

Grasses

Open Year-Round

7 days a week

4955 Austin Bluffs Parkway

80918 * 574-8058

www.phelangardens.com *local gardening information

*upcoming classes & events

*what’s new at Phelan Gardens

Connect With Us! Our monthly newsletter is offered via

e-mail. Sign up in-store or on our

website to receive special offers, class &

event updates and seasonal gardening tips. Follow Us On Social Media

4955 Austin Bluffs Pkwy

COS, CO 80918

719-574-8058

phelangardens.com

season grasses tend to wait until warmer weather begins. Take advantage of these traits to complement

spring flowers or hide dying bulb foliage. Ornamental

grasses consistently available at Phelan’s include:

Cool Season Types

Blue Fescue Festuca glauca

mound forming, blue green in color,

early summer flowering, good companion for gray or

purple foliage and spring bulbs, 8” – 12” tall and wide

Blue Avena/Blue Oat Grass Helictotrichon sempervirens fine, spiky arching blue-

green blades with oatlike seedheads, 2’– 3’ tall and

2’-3’ wide

Feather Reed Grass Calamagrostis arundinacea

Variety: Karl Foerster blooms early, upright narrow

habit, decorative panicles, yellow cream in winter.

3’- 4’ tall x 2’ wide

Ribbon Grass Phalaris arundinacea picta creep-ing rhizomes, very aggressive; variegated green/white

foliage; may go brown in hot weather; unsuitable for

rock gardens, 1’-2’ tall and 3’-4’ wide

Switch Grass Panicum varieties green or blue colored foliage in summer, yellow,

orange or maroon colors in the fall, blooms in late

summer and fall, 3’-4’ tall and 2’-3’ wide

Warm Season Types

Big Bluestem Grass Andropogon Silvery-blue

foliage, maroon flower spikes late summer. Striking reddish-copper foliage in fall. 4’-7’ tall x 2-3’wide

Little Bluestem Grass Schizachyrium

Narrow, blue-gray blades. Silver seeds heads in fall.

Foliage tinges pink/orange in cooler temps. Good for

hot, dry areas. 3’ tall x 18”wide

Ornamental grasses offer landscape interest from late spring through late winter.

They provide:

Interesting variegated or colorful leaves that

offer good contrast with a variety of plants

Color and texture in Autumn

Winter interest especially when paired with evergreens

Low maintenance

Most are drought tolerant

Size varies from 8 inches to over 12 feet.

Smaller types fit neatly into containers or the front of the border while larger grasses make

excellent screens, windbreaks, or striking accent

points in the landscape. It is an added benefit to

plant ornamental grasses where the wind can move through them. Movement and sound

from grasses will add a new dimension to your

garden.

Growing Conditions and Maintenance Most grasses need full sun, though a few varie-

ties are adaptable to part shade. Soil should be

reasonably fertile. Water consistently during

the first season to establish healthy root growth. Add 1”–2” of mulch to conserve

moisture around the roots. Once established,

grasses require much less moisture and minimal

feeding, making them ideal for xeriscape plant-ings. Spacing should be equal to their width at

maturity, which is usually reached during their

second or third season. Cut the old foliage back in late winter or early spring before new blades

emerge.

Ornamental grasses fall into one of two categories—cool season and warm season.

Cool season grasses produce new growth about

the same time as bulbs and peonies, while warm

Grass With Class: Blue Gramma Grass Bouteloua

Variety: ‘Blonde Ambition.’ Narrow, blue green

foliage. Buff colored ‘flag-like’ flowers in summer that last into winter. Very unique. 3’tall x 3’wide

Dwarf Fountain Grass Pennisetum compact

buff panicles in late summer turning almond color

in winter, good border plant; 2’-3’ tall and wide

Korean Feather Grass Calamagrostis

brachytricha Unlike it’s cousin, Feather Reed Grass, Korean Feather prefers warm temps.

Plumes are purplish red at first and lighten to a

greenish tan. Wide-bladed grass that is adaptable to part shade. Flowers best in full sun. Upright,

arching habit. 4’ tall x 3’ wide

Maiden grass Miscanthus varieties.

several different varieties, blooms in late summer

and fall, plumes usually hang on into winter Gracillimus: 5’-6’H x 3’-4’W Fall Color: Yellow

Porcupine: 4’-6’H x 4’-6’W Striped with Cream

Morning Light: 4’H x 3’W White/Green blades

Yaku Jima: 3’-4’H x 3’-4’W Fall Color: Reddish tan

Mexican Feather Grass Stipa

Buff seed heads persist on bright green blades

all season. Very drought tolerant. Also nice in

containers. 18”-24” tall x 18” - 24” wide

Northern Sea Oats Chasmanthium Green bamboo-like foliage takes on a coppery

tone in fall. Pendulous ‘oat’ type tan seed heads.

Requires a moist spot in part shade. 2’ tall x 2’-3’ wide

Hardy Pampas Erianthus ravennae Very

tall, blooms late summer, green leaves with silver/

purple panicles, excellent specimen grass, 10’-12’

tall x 5’ wide